May 17, 2011 - Hillburn NY

On Tuesday, May 17, Suffern Crew dedicated the four new boats provided by the Ramapo Central School District. We selected names that honored the people whose support made crew possible in our district: the late Senator Thomas Morahan, the much-missed SHS principal , and Mr. P. J. Faherty.  The dedication took place outdoors in the Hillburn parking lot—happily, the weather cooperated, though rain had been expected.

The boats were trailered in and placed in slings, with cloths covering their new names. Ceremony participants included all four Suffern Coaches—Jeff Friedrichs, Craig Jacoby, Michael Trainor, and Rob Mariani—the Suffern Crew Team, which was very well represented by Amy Proietti-Fox and Greg May, Girls’ and Boys’team Captains respectively, and Sheila Nealon Ramsay, Booster Club President.

Coach Jeff led the event with a well-crafted speech. As the names were unveiled, all four boats were splashed with (nonalcoholic) champagne and blessed with branches, the traditional symbol of safe returns.

The fact that family members of Senator Morahan and Principal Faherty were able to attend made the day even more meaningful for all involved.

Coach Jeff’s speech reminded all of us how important rowing has become to our students and our community in the three years since the program’s inception. Suffern Crew is already a respected team in the county and the region, and this year was competitive at the state level. With the support of the school, the coaches, and the parents, this program has surged ahead.

The boats look great out on the water with their new names—especially when they are crossing a finish line ahead of the competition! Thanks again to the District and the Administration for the belief and the ongoing support.

As a final note, we would like to thank the staff at Hillburn for arranging the logistics and refreshments for the event--very much appreciated by everyone.